Theoretical Perspectives of Adherence to Web-Based Interventions: a Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to review the literature as this relates to theoretical perspectives of adherence to web-based interventions, drawing upon empirical evidence from the fields of psychology, business, information technology and health care. METHODS: A scoping review of the literature utilising principles outlined by Arksey and O'Malley was undertaken. RESULTS: Several relevant theoretical perspectives have emerged, eight of which are charted and discussed in this review. These are the Internet Intervention Model, Persuasive Systems Design, the 'PERMA' framework, the Support Accountability Model, the Model of User Engagement, the Technology Acceptance Model, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of IT and the Conceptual Model of User Engagement. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the review indicate that an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating a range of technological, environmental and individual factors, may be needed in order to comprehensively explain user adherence to web-based interventions.

Dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources in 33 European countries.

Dynamic conservation of forest genetic resources (FGR) means maintaining the genetic diversity of trees within an evolutionary process and allowing generation turnover in the forest. We assessed the network of forests areas managed for the dynamic conservation of FGR (conservation units) across Europe (33 countries). On the basis of information available in the European Information System on FGR (EUFGIS Portal), species distribution maps, and environmental stratification of the continent, we developed ecogeographic indicators, a marginality index, and demographic indicators to assess and monitor forest conservation efforts. The pan-European network has 1967 conservation units, 2737 populations of target trees, and 86 species of target trees. We detected a poor coincidence between FGR conservation and other biodiversity conservation objectives within this network. We identified 2 complementary strategies: a species-oriented strategy in which national conservation networks are specifically designed for key target species and a site-oriented strategy in which multiple-target units include so-called secondary species conserved within a few sites. The network is highly unbalanced in terms of species representation, and 7 key target species are conserved in 60% of the conservation units. We performed specific gap analyses for 11 tree species, including assessment of ecogeographic, demographic, and genetic criteria. For each species, we identified gaps, particularly in the marginal parts of their distribution range, and found multiple redundant conservation units in other areas. The Mediterranean forests and to a lesser extent the boreal forests are underrepresented. Monitoring the conservation efficiency of each unit remains challenging; however, <2% of the conserved populations seem to be at risk of extinction. On the basis of our results, we recommend combining species-oriented and site-oriented strategies.

The human DEAD-box helicase DDX3X as a regulator of mRNA translation.

The human DEAD-box protein DDX3X is an RNA remodelling enzyme that has been implicated in various aspects of RNA metabolism. In addition, like many DEAD-box proteins, it has non-conventional functions that are independent of its enzymatic activity, e.g., DDX3X acts as an adaptor molecule in innate immune signalling pathways. DDX3X has been linked to several human diseases. For example, somatic mutations in DDX3X were identified in various human cancers, and de novo germline mutations cause a neurodevelopmental condition now termed 'DDX3X syndrome'. DDX3X is also an important host factor in many different viral infections, where it can have pro-or anti-viral effects depending on the specific virus. The regulation of translation initiation for specific mRNA transcripts is likely a central cellular function of DDX3X, yet many questions regarding its exact targets and mechanisms of action remain unanswered. In this review, we explore the current knowledge about DDX3X's physiological RNA targets and summarise its interactions with the translation machinery. A role for DDX3X in translational reprogramming during cellular stress is emerging, where it may be involved in the regulation of stress granule formation and in mediating non-canonical translation initiation. Finally, we also discuss the role of DDX3X-mediated translation regulation during viral infections. Dysregulation of DDX3X's function in mRNA translation likely contributes to its involvement in disease pathophysiology. Thus, a better understanding of its exact mechanisms for regulating translation of specific mRNA targets is important, so that we can potentially develop therapeutic strategies for overcoming the negative effects of its dysregulation.

DDX3X functionally and physically interacts with Estrogen Receptor-alpha.

DEAD-box protein 3X (DDX3X) is a human DEAD-box protein with conventional roles in RNA metabolism and unconventional functions in signalling pathways that do not require its enzymatic activity. For example, DDX3X acts as a multifunctional adaptor molecule in anti-viral innate immune signalling pathways, where it interacts with and regulates the kinase IKB-kinase-epsilon (IIKKε). Interestingly, both DDX3X and IKKɛ have also independently been shown to act as breast cancer oncogenes. IKKɛ's oncogenic functions are likely multifactorial, but it was suggested to phosphorylate the transcription factor Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) at Serine 167, which drives expression of Erα target genes in an estrogen-independent manner. In this study, we identified a novel physical interaction between DDX3X and ERα that positively regulates ERα activation. DDX3X knockdown in ER+ breast cancer cell lines resulted in reduced ERα phosphorylation, reduced Estrogen Response Element (ERE)-controlled reporter gene expression, decreased expression of ERα target genes, and decreased cell proliferation. Vice versa, overexpression of DDX3X resulted in enhanced ERα phosphorylation and activity. Furthermore, we provide evidence that DDX3X physically binds to ERα from co-immunoprecipitation and pulldown experiments. Based on our data, we propose that DDX3X acts as an adaptor to facilitate IKKε-mediated ERα activation, akin to the mechanism we previously elucidated for IKKε-mediated Interferon Regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation in innate immune signalling. In conclusion, our research provides a novel molecular mechanism that might contribute to the oncogenic effect of DDX3X in breast cancer, potentially linking it to the development of resistance against endocrine therapy.

Work-related stress and well-being of direct care workers in intellectual disability services: a scoping review of the literature.

Background: Understanding the nature of work-related stress and burnout among intellectual disability care staff is important to protect the well-being of these workers and encourage their retention in the sector. Though reviews of specific aspects of this literature have been conducted no article has sought to fully chart the range and nature of this research. Objective: This article addresses this gap by synthesizing the findings of such research with consideration to the future implications for protecting the well-being of care workers. Methods: A scoping review of the published literature was undertaken using a framework described in a previous article. Results: The findings of this review are presented thematically across six primary categories: challenging behavior; reciprocity; coping and stress; role issues; individual differences; and settings. A seventh theme, namely the positive aspects of intellectual disability care work was also identified through this process and is discussed. Conclusion: Occupational stress and strain is an internationally experienced issue in this sector. Challenging behavior and inequality in the relationships between staff and their clients, their colleagues, and their organization appear to exert a significant impact on the stress and well-being of workers in this sector. Excessive workplace demands, a low level of control, and a lack of support have been shown to be related to higher levels of stress and burnout among intellectual disability care workers.

Web-based interventions for the management of stress in the workplace: Focus, form, and efficacy.

OBJECTIVES: This review sought to determine what is currently known about the focus, form, and efficacy of web-based interventions that aim to support the well-being of workers and enable them to manage their work-related stress. METHOD: A scoping review of the literature as this relates to web-based interventions for the management of work-related stress and supporting the psychological well-being of workers was conducted. RESULTS: Forty-eight web-based interventions were identified and reviewed, the majority of which (n = 37) were "individual" -focused and utilized cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or cognitive behavior therapy. Most interventions identified were provided via a website (n = 34) and were atheoretical in nature. CONCLUSIONS: There is some low-to-moderate quality evidence that "individual" -focused interventions are effective for supporting employee well-being and managing their work-related stress. There are few web-based interventions that target "organizational" or "individual/organization" interface factors, and there is limited support for their efficacy. A clear gap appears to exist between work-stress theory and its application in the design and development of web-based interventions for the management of work-related stress.